Why the Caged Bird Sings—Immersive Engagements PAVED Arts

Watch Cheryl L'Hirondelle's Artist Talk

On March 14, 2025, Interdisciplinary artist Cheryl L'Hirondelle's installation Why The Caged Bird Sings—Immersive Engagements opened at PAVED Arts Saskatoon with a warm reception reflecting the practice of inclusivity that gave rise to the works, based on her songs co-written with incarcerated populations throughout Saskatchewan.

L’HIrondelle’s exhibition, curated by Northern Artistic Director Judy McNaughton, features works that are media and sensory-rich experiences using virtual reality (VR), video, hyper-directional audio, and olfactory sensations that forge immersive experiences, along with lyrics, voices, and musical arrangements from the artist’s decades-long songwriting practice with detained and incarcerated co-writers.

On the evening of April 17, the exhibition concluded with an intimate concert boasting several well-known and versatile Saskatchewan musicians performing arrangements from the original songwriting project by Cheryl L’Hirondelle, interspersed with songs by musical guests including Berk Jodoin, Stacey Springall (and the Real Deal) and Nikamok. Special guest Lindsey Knight AKA Eekwol joined the ensemble free-styling and the roster of musicians also included Joseph Naytowhow, Helen Pridmore, Aspen Beveridge, Romeo Klyne, Kurtis Kopp, and Ross Nykiforuk. In the spirit of the project, audience members danced and sang along.